Cosmopolitan Book Awards 2025: Best historical fiction to take you back in time
Summer in Worcestershire, 1577. Eliza Litton, a talented artist, is in love with childhood friend, Francis. But her tyrannical father, who rules the household with insults and fists, has other ideas. As summer comes to an end, Francis vanishes after a drunken night at the inn and Eliza’s father forces her to marry a gentleman, Edmund.
Thrown into a new, unfamiliar life with her husband who appears distant and cold, Eliza cannot tear herself from the memory of Francis. Yet her feelings for Edmund soften with time; he presents a life to her better than she ever dreamed. He provides her a safety she never had beneath her father’s roof and encourages her to paint, to pursue the things she loves.
As she begins to fall for Edmund, Francis is adrift on his own voyage, doing all he can to survive, fixated on returning to Eliza.
But as Eliza grows closer to Edmund, she uncovers a deceit she never imagined, causing her to question her own loyalties and commit her own betrayals. After everything, who will Eliza be? And what choices will she make?
The Marriage Contract vividly portrays life in the precarious and unforgiving Elizabethan era, exploring love’s many forms; how we can betray the ones we love, and how we can find forgiveness; and explores a woman’s fight to follow her desires and find her autonomy.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Sasha Butler is a Birmingham based writer. Her work features in Floodgate Press’ short story anthology, Night Time Economy. The Marriage Contract was shortlisted for the Bath Novel Award and the Cheshire Novel Prize in 2022, under the former title As Soft as Dreams. This is her first novel.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Seller: Rarewaves.com USA, London, LONDO, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: New. Cosmopolitan Book Awards 2025: Best historical fiction to take you back in timeSummer in Worcestershire, 1577. Eliza Litton, a talented artist, is in love with childhood friend, Francis. But her tyrannical father, who rules the household with insults and fists, has other ideas. As summer comes to an end, Francis vanishes after a drunken night at the inn and Eliza's father forces her to marry a gentleman, Edmund.Thrown into a new, unfamiliar life with her husband who appears distant and cold, Eliza cannot tear herself from the memory of Francis. Yet her feelings for Edmund soften with time; he presents a life to her better than she ever dreamed. He provides her a safety she never had beneath her father's roof and encourages her to paint, to pursue the things she loves.As she begins to fall for Edmund, Francis is adrift on his own voyage, doing all he can to survive, fixated on returning to Eliza.But as Eliza grows closer to Edmund, she uncovers a deceit she never imagined, causing her to question her own loyalties and commit her own betrayals. After everything, who will Eliza be? And what choices will she make?The Marriage Contract vividly portrays life in the precarious and unforgiving Elizabethan era, exploring love's many forms; how we can betray the ones we love, and how we can find forgiveness; and explores a woman's fight to follow her desires and find her autonomy. Seller Inventory # LU-9781784633608
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Seller: Chiron Media, Wallingford, United Kingdom
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Seller: Rarewaves USA, HEBRON, KY, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: New. Cosmopolitan Book Awards 2025: Best historical fiction to take you back in timeSummer in Worcestershire, 1577. Eliza Litton, a talented artist, is in love with childhood friend, Francis. But her tyrannical father, who rules the household with insults and fists, has other ideas. As summer comes to an end, Francis vanishes after a drunken night at the inn and Eliza's father forces her to marry a gentleman, Edmund.Thrown into a new, unfamiliar life with her husband who appears distant and cold, Eliza cannot tear herself from the memory of Francis. Yet her feelings for Edmund soften with time; he presents a life to her better than she ever dreamed. He provides her a safety she never had beneath her father's roof and encourages her to paint, to pursue the things she loves.As she begins to fall for Edmund, Francis is adrift on his own voyage, doing all he can to survive, fixated on returning to Eliza.But as Eliza grows closer to Edmund, she uncovers a deceit she never imagined, causing her to question her own loyalties and commit her own betrayals. After everything, who will Eliza be? And what choices will she make?The Marriage Contract vividly portrays life in the precarious and unforgiving Elizabethan era, exploring love's many forms; how we can betray the ones we love, and how we can find forgiveness; and explores a woman's fight to follow her desires and find her autonomy. Seller Inventory # LU-9781784633608
Seller: Chiron Media, Wallingford, United Kingdom
paperback. Condition: New. Brand new book, sourced directly from publisher. Dispatch time is 24-48 hours from our warehouse. Book will be sent in robust, secure packaging to ensure it reaches you securely. Seller Inventory # 6666-GRD-9781784633608
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Seller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Cosmopolitan Book Awards 2025: Best historical fiction to take you back in timeSummer in Worcestershire, 1577. Eliza Litton, a talented artist, is in love with childhood friend, Francis. But her tyrannical father, who rules the household with insults and fists, has other ideas. As summer comes to an end, Francis vanishes after a drunken night at the inn and Elizas father forces her to marry a gentleman, Edmund.Thrown into a new, unfamiliar life with her husband who appears distant and cold, Eliza cannot tear herself from the memory of Francis. Yet her feelings for Edmund soften with time; he presents a life to her better than she ever dreamed. He provides her a safety she never had beneath her fathers roof and encourages her to paint, to pursue the things she loves.As she begins to fall for Edmund, Francis is adrift on his own voyage, doing all he can to survive, fixated on returning to Eliza.But as Eliza grows closer to Edmund, she uncovers a deceit she never imagined, causing her to question her own loyalties and commit her own betrayals. After everything, who will Eliza be? And what choices will she make?The Marriage Contract vividly portrays life in the precarious and unforgiving Elizabethan era, exploring loves many forms; how we can betray the ones we love, and how we can find forgiveness; and explores a womans fight to follow her desires and find her autonomy. Summer in Worcestershire, 1577. Eliza Litton, a talented artist, is in love with childhood friend, Francis. But her tyrannical father, who rules the household with insults and fists, has other ideas. As summer comes to an end, Francis vanishes after a drunken night at the inn and Elizas father forces her to marry a gentleman, Edmund. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781784633608
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9781784633608
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